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February 23, 2009
Soundbites

Sanfilippo: State of WHSC strong
In his Feb. 18 State of the Woodruff Health Sciences Center address, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs Fred Sanfilippo highlighted efforts under way within WHSC to not only deal with the uncertainty of the current economic climate, but to emerge a stronger organization as a result.

“The question you should ask yourself is, ‘Where would you rather be?’ For me the answer is simple,” he said. “In the worst of times and the best of times I’d want to be at an organization involved in health and the knowledge economy … a place with a noble vision and high aspirations … a place with unique assets and partners that provide the potential for success … a place like Emory’s Woodruff Health Sciences Center.”
—Michelle Boone

How to prepare for a flu pandemic
Wash your hands. That’s the best way to protect against flu, either the seasonal kind or a pandemic, which will be a new virus or a mutated version of a current strain.

Jessica Liu told Emory’s chapter of the American Red Cross Feb. 18, “We want to get the word out about pandemic flu. The first line is to be well-prepared. Have a plan and be informed.”

There is no immunity and no vaccines in a pandemic flu, so the severity of the consequences are inevitably much greater. “That’s why we really stress hand-washing,” Liu said. Flu is spread from person to person either through contact or through the air.

For a pandemic, protection extends to a “preparedness kit” in case of quarantine. “That’s one gallon of water per person per day,” Liu said, “prescription and non-prescription medicines; caregiving supplies such as Gatorade and extra towels and blankets.” —Leslie King

Love, activism goes beyond borders
Just before Valentine’s Day, students and staff were treated to the romance and activist story of Emory staff member Monica George-Komi and her husband, George Komi. The couple recounted tales of passion, devotion and human rights advocacy.

In 1996, the couple fled Nigeria to the United States after the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, world-renowned Nigerian novelist and environmental activist.

When asked how their 15-year love survived the ups and downs of activism, George said, “Love is about give and take.”

“With emphasis on the giving,” added Monica, academic services coordinator in the School of Medicine. —Portia Allen